Interrupt the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Literacy Leadership
2026-03-11 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Systemic failures in early education often set vulnerable students on a devastating trajectory toward the juvenile justice system. However, courageous school leadership has the power to change this narrative. Join us for a powerful edLeader Panel designed specifically to help you interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. We will unlock actionable strategies that shift school cultures toward equity, early literacy success, and transformative outcomes for all students.
Award-winning educator and author Hilderbrand Pelzer III leads this crucial conversation. He draws on over three decades of deep experience as a school leader. Notably, he organized one of the largest correctional education programs in the U.S. Consequently, Hilderbrand brings unique, firsthand insights into the consequences of educational failure. He illustrates exactly how educational systems can interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by strengthening literacy instruction and expectations for every learner.
Reframing Literacy as an Equity Lever
This session goes far beyond basic academic milestones. Hilderbrand, author of Unlocking Potential, reframes literacy as a core lever for opportunity. Attendees will explore how systemic leadership decisions directly impact student trajectories. We will examine how culture, expectations, and instructional priorities shape the future for underserved learners. Furthermore, you will learn to recognize the structural barriers in your district.
Key Learning Objectives for Leaders:
Through compelling real-world examples and research-aligned insights, we will guide you through the following goals:

Analyze the Correlation: Explore the undeniable link between early literacy difficulties, prolonged disengagement, and eventual involvement with the criminal justice system.

Implement Literacy Leadership: Identify specific literacy leadership practices that foster high expectations and inclusive success for marginalized groups.

Build Systems: Learn strategies to build equitable instructional systems that support diverse learners.

Support Instruction: Discover how school leaders can effectively support teachers in delivering evidence-based literacy instruction.

Transform Your School Culture Today
Do not settle for survival; ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. You will gain the inspiration and actionable strategies you need to immediately reshape your school culture. This panel is essential for K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders ready to reduce dropout rates and support their most vulnerable populations. Moderated by Dr. Martaluz Rodriguez Pozo, this session promises to be a pivotal moment for your leadership journey.
Register now!
